The Roadmap of Breastfeeding in Iran: From Policy-Making to Implementation in the Health Sector

Introduction: Breastfeeding is considered one of the main pillars of infant and maternal health, and effective policies in this area can contribute to reducing mortality, improving public health, and promoting equity. Given the crucial role of nurses, managers, and healthcare personnel in advancing these policies, the present study examines the evolution of breastfeeding policies in Iran, their alignment with global standards, and their implementation within the healthcare system. Methods: This scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA-SCR framework. Studies published between ۲۰۱۰ and ۲۰۲۴ were searched in reputable databases including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, ProQuest, SID, and MagIran, and were reviewed and analyzed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were selected for review if they examined breastfeeding policies or strategies at the national level in the Islamic Republic of Iran, with a focus on policies promoting, supporting, or protecting breastfeeding. Additionally, studies analyzing the alignment of Iran's breastfeeding policies with global frameworks or the World Health Organization were considered. Results: A total of ۳۳۰ articles were retrieved, of which ۱۱ duplicates were removed, and ۱۸ studies were reviewed. The results showed that Iran has made significant progress in promoting breastfeeding through the implementation of Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiatives, educational interventions, and national surveys. However, implementation gaps still exist, particularly in integrating policies into healthcare systems, ensuring managerial accountability, and addressing structural and equity-related barriers. Conclusion: To achieve full alignment with global standards, Iran needs to institutionalize breastfeeding policies within healthcare systems, strengthen intersectoral support structures, and establish mechanisms for continuous policy evaluation and implementation.

کلیدواژه ها:

Breastfeeding ، policy ، Exclusive breastfeeding ، Health Policy ، Iran